Apparatus adapted to provide photographic records of wells and the like



April 7, 1953 I c. LAVAL, JR 2 63 7 APPARATUS ADAPTED TO PROVIDE PHOTOGRAPHIC 3 RECORDS OF WELLS AND THE LIKE F1196. Feb. 13, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 a I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I98 CLAl/DE LAVAL,JR.

" INVENTOR HUEBNER, BEEHLER, WORREL,

HERZ/G & CALDWELL ATTORNEYS army-2%! April 7, 1953 c. LAVAL, JR 2,633,783 APPARATUS ADAPTED TO PROVIDE PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDS OF WELLS AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 15, 1950 -4 Sheeis-Sheet s CLAUDE LAVAL, JR.

I INVENTOR HUE'BNL'I? BEEHLER, WORREL,

HERZ/G 8 CALDWELL A TTORNEVS MMWM April 7, 1953 2,633,783

C- LAYAL, JR APPARATUS ADAPTED TO PROVIDE PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORDS OF WELLS AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 15, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Ma 3 I /13 I4 CLAUDE LAVAL JR. 6 INVENTOR HUEBNER, BEEHLER, WORREL, HERZ/G 8 CALDWELL ATTORNEYS Br Lamar/W Patented Apr. 7, 1953 APPARATUS ADAPTED TO PROVIDE PHOTO- GRAPHIC RECORDS OF WELLS AND THE LIKE Claude Laval, Jr., Fresno, Calif.

Application February 13, 1950, Serial No. 144,012

9 Claims.

The present invention relates to pho ogr apparatus and more particularly to such an apparatus adapted to provide photographic records of wells and the like.

Nationally publicized efforts to photograph ocean life at great depths have indicated some of the problems encountered in such photography by the recounting of the elaborate and expensive preparations therefor. These problems are seriously aggravated in the photographing of wells whether dry or filled with water, oil, or other liquid and have, it is believed, until the present invention precluded commercial photographing of wells and immersed objects generally.

Heretofore, it has been the practice when equipment has been lost in water or oil wells successively to drop a lead weight, or other malleable material such as beeswax or soap, onto the lost equipment and by observation of the imprint of the equipment on the material once retrieved to endeavor to determine the position and attitude thereof for grappling purposes. This crude approach is well-known in the art but unsuccessful in many instances. As a result of previously inability to determine the position, attitude, and

the like of equipment lost in wells, many oil, gas and water wells each year are abandoned at a great waste of time, labor, equipment, and natural resources.

Of even greater significance, it has heretofore been impossible to photograph the casings of wells so as to detect defects therein as well as to determine the condition of perforations formed therethrough. After a well has been used for a considerable period of time, the casing perforations not infrequently become clogged requiring the reperforation of the portions of the casing through which liquid must pass. The device of the present invention not only permits the careful inspection of well casings and their perforations but also permits the evaluating of perforating operations performed thereon, thus not only can the condition of a well and its casing be accurately determined, but the emcacy of work performed thereon can be photographically recorded for study.

An object of the'present invention is to provide permanent recordation of Wells, well casings, and the like, which permit careful study to determine existing conditions, to detect defects, appropriately to plan corrective measures, and

accurately to evaluate the results of the correcs tive measures taken.

Another object is to provide photographic records of wells and articles generally immersed in fluids, such as well casings; lost well equipment; sunken ships; ocean floor formations; submerged cables; walls and bottoms of fluid containers; oil, gas, and water pipe lines, and the like.

Another object is to provide stereoscopical photographic records of such articles.

Another object is to provide a photographic apparatus having improved features of remote control.

Another object is to provide an improved housing for fluid-immersed cameras.

Another object is to provide an improved photographic apparatus adapted for remote connection to a source of electrical energy and complete operational control by intermittent interruption of the electrical connection.

Another object is to provide a photographic apparatus having electrical means for advancing strip film therethrough in a predetermined increment of travel each time the means is energized, an electrical system for the film advancing means including means for storing electrical energy within the apparatus, and means responsive to the interruption of electrical supply to the apparatus providing flash photographic illumination from electrical energy accumulated in the storing means.

A further object is to provide an improved housing and window association in an apparatus of the character and for the purpose described adapted to flush dirt from the window by elevational movement of the apparatus through a fluid.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent in the subsequent description of the specification.

Referring to the drawings:

' Figure 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal section of a well showing in side elevation a photographic apparatus of the present invention suspended in the well.

Figure 2 is an enlarged longitudinal section of the photographic apparatus shown in Figure 1 having a lamp-bearing arm thereof broken off for illustrative convenience.

Figure 3 is a longitudinal section of the photographic apparatus shown in Figure 2 viewed from a plane substantial-1y ninety degrees displaced therefrom as taken along line 33 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a transverse section of the apparatus, revealing the cylindrical character of the housing and means for mounting a power pack therein, as taken on line 44 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a transverse section of the apparatus as taken on line 55 of Figure 1 showing the housing and camera mounted therein.

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section of a camera employed in the apparatus.

Figure 7 is an enlarged side elevation, with a cover portion broken away, of the camera and film-advancing motor employed therewith.

Figure 8 is a transverse section of the camera and a switch control means for the film-advancing motor as taken on line 8-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary portion of the structure shown in Figure 8 illustrating the position the switch control means assumed upon interruption of electrical current to the apparatus.

Figure 1.0 is a combined wiring diagram of the electrical system employed in the subject apparatus with a schematic representation ofthe film-advancing means operated thereby.

Referring in greater detail to the drawings, the apparatus will be seen to comprise a novel association of a housing ill, a camera assembly H, a film-advancing mechanism !2, apower pack. I3, and.an electric lamp i i. The-numerals indicate general elements and assemblies subsequently described in detail. The housing It is'fluid-tight and contains the camera H which is preferably of a constant-exposure strip-film type. The film-advancingmechanism l2 and the power pack I3 are jointly intermittently energized from a source of electrical energy, not shown, exteriorly of the housing.v made for the advancement of film a predetermined increment of travel through-the camera by the-mechanism. l2 each time the mechanism is energized whereupon the mechanism is stopped until electrical. connection. between the apparatus and the source of electrical energy is interrupted and subsequently reestablished. When electrical connection with the source of electrical energy is interrupted. the power pack I3 is automatically in response thereto connected to the lamp for discharge therethrough. Reestablishment of connection of the apparatus to the-source of electrical energy, again starts the film travel through. the camera, disconnects the power pack from the source of illumination and reconnects the. same to the source of electrical energy for recharging. As shown in Figure the apparatus makes a compact unit which may be lowered into a well IE, or the like and which, as will soon become apparent operates dependably in either immersed or. emersed condition.

Housing The body of the housing It is preferably a hollow cylindrical pipe-like portion having a transversely flush head end and an. opposite male screw-threaded end. A circular inner head plate 21' is fitted on the head end of the por-- tion. 26 in fluid-tight engagement. Sealing gaskets, not shown, may be employed between.

the portion 29' and inner head plate 2|, if desired; A circular outerhead plate 22 overlays the head plate 2! and the peripheries of the two plates endwardly rounded to provide a gen erally streamlined effect. The plates are held in. position by socket-headed cap screws 23 extended: therethrough and engaged in the body portion 2!). A pair of spaced bores 24 are formed axially through the plates 2! and 22 and have windows 25 mounted therein.

As shown in Figure 2, the windows conveniently provide cylindrical portions fitted to the portions of the bore in each of the plates and a circumscribing flange which is held between the plates in a counter-bore in fluid-tight engage- Provision is ment. Each of the windows has transversely slanted endwardly disposed surfaces so that as the apparatus is moved endwardly through fluid, the fluid in which it is immersed impinges on the windows and tends to flush dirt therefrom. A conduit 21 is formed in the housing in com munication with the bores adjacent to the upper edge of each of the slanted surfaces of the windows, is directed radially of the plate 22 and thence upwardly of the portion 20 to a port 28; in the periphery of said portion.

A streamlined generally paraboloidal upper end 3il'is screw-threadably mounted on the upper end of the portion 2% in fluid-tight engagement therewith. A supporting eyelet 3! is mounted axially in the end 33 and provides dependent support on a cable 32, or other suitable supporting device, connected thereto. An electric supply cable 33 furnishes electrical energy to the camera assembly ll, film-advancing mechanism 12, power pack. l3, and. indirectly to the electric lamp i i. For passage of the cable through the end 36, an aperture 3 is formed therein through.

which the cable extends. Fluid tight integrity is assured. by providing the aperture with an outer counter-bore receiving packing 35 tightened into place by a packing bushing 38 screwthreadably mounted in the counter-bore.

As a mounting convenience for the camera assembly H, film-advancing mechanism l2, and power pack it, a part cylindrical base. 45,. as

shown in Figures 2, 4, and. 5 is fitted to the interior of the central portion 28 of. the housing 10 and secured longitudinally in said. portion as by socket headed bolts ll passed throughthe wall of the portion 20' and screw-threaded into the base. Said base conveniently providesa longitudinal channel 42 having, inturnededges 43..

Camera assembly The camera assembly ii mounted in the housing on a bracket 56 slidably received in the channel d2. of the base ii). For

convenience in mounting and protecting the elements of the camera, a case 51 is provided,

as shown. A lens holder 52 is provided on the case 5i in alignment with the bores 24 and serves to mount lenses 53 in alignment with the bores. The lenses have focal points within the housing 10 preferably just inside the case 5|.

A film. supply reel 55 is rotatably mounted in. the case; 5! as at 5'1. The reel and mountingpreferably provide. a slight braking actionwor frictional resistance to rotation. of the reel toavoid excessive unwinding during operation of theappara'tus. A winding reel58 is rotatably' mounted in the case as on a rotatable shaft 59. Guide spools 5t and Si assist in the well known. manner in directing film, represented at 62 from the supply reel to the winding reel by way of the focal points of the lenses.

In order dependably to maintainthe film at the focal points of the lenses, a pin 55 is fixedly mounted in the case 5|. An arm 65 is radially extended from the pin for pivotal movement thereabout. A pair of guides 67 are pivotally' mounted on. the extended end. of the arm. 66, as on. a pin 68. The guides 6? are interconnected by a slide plate 59 adapted. tov overlay the film as it is traveled. past the lenses. The slide plate Eli is opaque and blocks admission of light to the case 5i through the film. A leaf spring 10 is fastened to the arm 65, as at H, and operates against a fiat provided on the pin 65 so as to urge pivotal movement of the is conveniently arm 58 toward the frame. This structure is clearly evident in Figures 3 and 6. A sprocket I2 is mounted on an axle I3 journaled in the case 5| in a position to draw the film 62 past the lenses 53 by engagement of teeth of the sprocket with the well-known driving perforations in the film.

Film-advancing mechanism The film-advancingmechanism I2 employs a motor I5 conveniently mounted on the case 5I. A worm I6 is rotatably mounted on the case, as at 11, and has driven connection with the motor. A worm wheel I8 is rotatably mounted on the case 5| and meshes with the worm gear I6. cog wheel 19 is mounted concentrically with the worm wheel 18 for unitary rotational movement therewith. A driven cog wheel 80 is fixedly mounted on the axle I3. A drive chain 8I provides driving interconnection between the cog wheels I9 and 80 and translates rotation of the worm wheel I8 into rotation of the timing sprocket I2.

A pulley 83 is fixedly mounted. on the axle 13. A winding pulley 84 is fixedly mounted on the shaft 59 and a spring belt 85 provided about the pulleys 83 and 84 for driving interconnection. When the motor is energized, as soon described, the worm IS rotates the worm wheel I3 and the chain 8| rotates the sprocket I2. The spring belt 85 rotates the winding reel 50 taking up the film 62 as it is fed past the lenses 53 by the sprocket I2. The spring belt provides the usual resilient drive employed in cameras to accommodate the varied circumference of film progressively wound on or unwound from the reel. As shown in Figure 3, the film 62 is drawn from the supply reel 56 past the guide spools 60 and SI, between the guides 61, and under the plate 69. The film meshes with teeth on the sprocket I2 in the usual way and after passing the sprocket is taken on the rotated winding reel 58. It will be noted that the camera is of the constant exposure or shutterless type and receives illumination when the film is stationary for exposure thereof. A protective covering plate 86 is mounted, as by cap screws 81, on the side of the case 5| in covering relation to the worm wheel I8 and portions of the driving mechanism driven thereby.

Power pack As shown in Figure 4, the power pack I 3 is conveniently mounted in the housing by means of a I bracket 90,- similar to the camera bracket 50, slideably received in the channel 42 of the base 40. A spacer 9| is connected to the camera bracket 55 by means of a bolt 92, as shown in Figure 2. An angle bracket 93 is similarly connected to the bracket 99 by means of a bolt 95. A stud 95 on the end of the spacer 9| engages in an opening in the angle bracket 93 and provides releas-i able interconnection therebetween. So asso ciated, the camera assembly II and power pack I3 may be conveniently slid in and out of the housing upon removal of the end 30. The power pack is readily disconnected from the spacer 9| by disengaging the angle bracket 93 from the A stop and screw-threadably engaged to the base. The bolt 91 is readily accessible for removal upon removal of the end 30 of the housing I0.

A power pack case I M is mounted on th bracket and provides a secondary housing for power pack elements soon described. A transformer I02 is mounted within the power pack case IOI and connected to a source of electrical energy, not shown, externally of the housing by means of the supply cable 33. As shown in Figures 3 and 10, one side of the secondary of the transformer I02 is grounded, as at I03, to the housing I0. The cathode I04 of a rectifier tube I05 is connected to the secondary of the transformer I02, as shown. The plate I06 of the rectifier tube is connected to one pole I01 of a two-way switch I08. The two-way switch provides an opposite pole I09 connected to the lamp I 4 which is in turn. grounded to the housing I9, as at H0. The lamp is preferably of any of the many well known types accommodating extremely high voltages for very short durations to produce brilliant flashes of light. Inasmuch as the lamp is used many times it preferably possesses relatively stable spectrum and electrical stability. The two-way switch has a movable contact III resiliently urged as by a spring H2 into engagement with the pole I09. The contact is grounded, as at I03, through a condenser H3.

An electromagnetic relay H5 is connected to the source of electrical energy in parallel to the transformer I02, by the cable 33. The relay is arranged to draw the contact I I I of the two-way switch I58 from engagement withthefpole I09 into engagement with the pole I01. I

The motor I5 is connected in electrical series with a motor control switch H1 and said motor and switch in electrical parallel with the transformer I02 and relay H5. A microswitch conveniently serves the purpose of the control switch II? and is pivotally mounted on the camera case 5I, as at H9, in Figures 8 and 9. A timing cam IZB having the form shown in Figure 10 providing a somewhat helical periphery progressing from a point of minimum radial extension to a point nearly 360 degrees therefrom of maximum radial extension is fixedly mounted on the axle I3. The control switch III has an operating member I2I extended for peripheral engagement with the cam I25. The association of the cam and member is such that the switch I I1 is opened by traversalof the point of maximum radial extension of the cam and is automatically closed by the inherent characteristics of the switch when the member traverses portions of the cam of substantially less than maximum radial .extension.

A control arm I22 is rigidly extended from the. switch-and provides controlled pivotal positioning thereof. An electromagnet I25 is mounted on the case 5| and adjacent to the extended end of the control arm I 22 and when energized draws the arm theretoward urging the switch H'I into a position bringing the member I2I into engagement with the periphery of the cam. A helical compression spring I25 is mounted under initial.

compression between the case 5I and the arm I22 in opposition to the effect of the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is energized the switch assumes the position shown in Figure 8. When the electromagnet is deenergized the cempression spring I26, tips the motor control switch I I! and removes the member I2I from peripheral cam engagement, as shown in Figure 9. It is significant that once the switch is tipped from engagement with the periphery of the cam at the point of maximum radial extension, it can not be returned to peripheral engagement even upon energizing of the electromagnet I until the cam is rotated from said position. This is demonstrated in Figures 9 and 10. Inasmuch as the apparatus is usually operated at locations in which 110 volt power supplies are available, the transformer m2. is employed as described. The electromagnet is connected to the source of electrical energy; in parallel to the transformer, the relay I I5, and the motor l5 and control switch Ill; in series with a selenium, or other suitable rectifier I21 A condenser I28 is connected electrically in series with the rectifier I2! and in parallel with the electromagnet I25.

Illumination Because the apparatus .is frequently employed to photograph in oil, dirty water, and the lit:

it has been found preferable to mount the lamp I4 inwardly spaced from the head of the apparatus. This is conveniently accomplished by means of a conduit I 30' screw-threadably mounted in the outer head plate 22, as at I3I in Figure 2, which is endwardly extended, formed into a generally parabolic return-bend and provided with a U-shaped terminal end I32 mountinga fluid-tight lamp socket I33. The parabolic return-bend in the conduit assists in guiding the apparatus downwardly in a well through obstructions frequently encountered therein. To preclude snagging of the conduit on such obstructions, a glide arm I is welded to the conduit I30 adjacent to the housing and endwardly extended for tangential engagement with the U-shaped terminal end I32, as shown in Figure 1. Electrical connection is made between the pole I05 and the lamp I4 mounted in the socket I33 and between, said lamp and the ground He by means of a pair of wires I35 threaded through the conduit.

Complete control of the apparatus to advance the film 62, to terminate the film advance after a predetermined drive of the film, to charge the condenser H3, and to flash the lamp I4 is achieved by intermittent connection of the conduit 33 to a source of electrical energy. This intermittent connection is, conveniently achieved by the operation of a master control switch Mi r or other suitable means preferably provided in the cable 33 remote from the apparatus.

Operation The operation of the apparatu of the present invention is believed to be clearly apparent and is briefly summarized at this point. The apparatus islowered into a well I5 or other place to be photographed by means of the support cable 32. This may be done by hand, Windlass, or any well known means but one which preferably gives an indication of the depth of the apparatus at all times.

When the apparatus is lowered to the desired iii posed film into alignment withthe lenses, thecontrol switch I I1 is opened by cam I20 stopping the motor. During this time and subsequently as long as the master control switch I is closed, the condenser H3 is connected to the source of power for charging purposes. When it is desired to expose the film, the master control switch I 40 is opened interrupting current flow to the relay H5 whereupon the contact III is urged from the pole I01 into engagement with the pole I00 discharging the condenser II3 through the lamp I4 to the ground H0 and exposing the film upon flash of the lamp. Concur-' rently with opening of the master control switch I the electromagnet I 25 is de-energized re-' leasing the control arm I22 for pivotal movement of the switch IIl under the urging of the springtrol switch hit and successive photographic operations.

In' most instances after each exposure of the film, the apparatus is either raised or lowered a measured distance so that a sequence of photographs provides a continuous record of the well or other photographed objects. Innumerable photographs in such sequential and repetitive order as desired may be taken without removing the device from the well or other operational environment. Upon closing of the switch 240,

the electromagnet I25 is energized but can not return the switch ill to the position shown in Figure 8 until after the motor I5 has moved the timing cam I20 a suflilcient distance so that the member i2I may move upwardly into engage ment with the periphery of the cam. The sueceeding photograph is made by opening the mas ter control switch I40, as previously described.

After the last of a series of photographs is taken, the switch I40 is closed so that the exposed film is traveled from the lenses to positions not accessible to the light.

It is apparent that the spaced lenses provide stereoscopical pairs of photographs which when viewed through a conventional stereoscope give depth perception to the photograph record pro pared. It will be obvious that a single lens may be employed in the device of the present invention instead of the pair of lenses where depth perception in the resultant photographic record is not desired and, of course either color or black.

and white film may be used.

The housing I0, as described, is hermetically sealed and upon employment of a properly insu-. lated cable 33 the apparatus is safely. used in oil, gas, gasoline, and other inflammable fluids, Movement of the apparatus upwardly or down-'- wardly through a liquid causes a flow of the liquid through the conduit 2? and across the windows 25 to flush dirt, air bubbles and the like there from.

The streamlined exterior of the housing and the particular shape given to the conduit I 3!) and guide arm I 34 minimize snagging of the apparatus during lowering or raising of the same. is to be observed that the apparatus is not lim ited to use in the erect position described supported on the cable 32 but finds many uses in other attitudes and positions such as when pulledor pushed through pipe lines and the like.

In actual operation the apparatus has proved dependable, easy to control, convenient to operate, and capable of providing detailed photo- 9. graphic records of wells and the like obviating .the abandonment thereof and concomitant expense and waste of natural resources heretofore resultant from an inability closely to examine the same.

Although I have herein shown and described my invention in what I have conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope or my invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein, but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and systems.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In an apparatus for photographing wells and the like the combination of a camera, an electric motor having driving connection to the camera for advancing film through the camera a predetermined. increment of travel each time said motor is energized, an electrical system connected to the motor and having provision for intermittent connection to a source of electrical energy, a condenser, an electric photographic lamp, a two-way switch arranged alternately to connect the condenser to the system to charge the condenser and to the lamp for discharge therethrough, and a relay in the system having controlling connection to the switch so as to connect the condenser to the system when the system is energized and to connect the condenser to the lamp when the system is de-energized.

2. An apparatus for photographing wells and the like comprising a substantially fluid-tight housing, a lens mounted in the housing and having a focal point within the housing, an electrical motor for advancing film past the focal point or" the lens, an electrical system having connection to a source of electrical energy exteriorly of the housing and to the motor, a master switch in series with the motor in said system, a control switch in series with the motor, a timing means having driven connection with the motor and releasable controlling engagement With the control switch adapted to open the control switch after a predetermined increment of travel of the motor, resilient means urging the control switch into cont-rolled engagement with the timing means, an electromagnet connected in parallel with the motor and control switch to the electrical system adapted to urge the control switch into controlled engagement with the timing means, a condenser in the housing, an electric lamp borne by the housing arranged to illuminate an area exteriorly of the lens, a twoway switch connected to the condenser for alternate electrical connection with the electrical system and the lamp, and an electromagnet connected to the system in parallel with the motor and arranged in controlling relation to the twoway switch for connecting the condenser to the system when the system is energized and the lamp when the system is not energized.

3. A well camera comprising a substantially fluid tight housing having an opening formed therein, a lens mounted in the opening having a focal point within the housing, electrically driven means for advancing film past the focal point of the lens, an electric system adapted for intermittent connection to a source of electrical energy exteriorly of the housing and to the electrically driven means, said system including a control switch in series with the driven means, a timer motivated by the driven means and having controlling engagement with the control switch adapted automatically to open the control switch alter a predetermined increment of travel or the driven means each time the system is energized, an arm extended from the housing, an electric lamp borne by the arm in spaced relation to the opening in the housing, a condenser within the housing, and an electrically controlled switch means connected electrically in parallel with the driven means to the system and electrically connecting the condenser to the system when the system is energized and to the lamp for discharge therethrough when the system is lie-energized.

4. An apparatus for photographing wells and the like comprising a housing having an opening formed therein, a lens mounted in the opening having a local point within the housing, means for advancing strip film past the focal point of the lens, an electrical system connected to the him-advancing means and having provision for intermittent connection to a source of electrical energy exteriorly of the housing, an electric photographic lamp mounted on the housing Ior illumination 01 an area exteriorly thereof, a condenser mounted within the housing, a two-way switch mounted within the housing adapted alternately to connect the condenser to the system and to the lamp, resilient means urging the two-way switch into position connecting the condenser to the lamp, and a relay in the electrical system arranged to position the switch to connect the condenser to the system when the system is energized.

5. The combination of a camera adapted to have strip film passed therethrough, an electric motor having driving connection to the camera for advancing film therethrough, an electric circuit connecting the motor to a source or" electrical energy, a master control switch in the circuit in series with the motor, an electrical condenser, an electrically energized light source for exposing the film, a two-way switch adapted alternately to connect the condenser to the circuit in parallel relation to the motor and the condenser to the lamp, resilient means urging the two-way switch into its position connecting the condenser to the lamp, and an electro-magnet electrically in series with the master control switch in the circuit mechanically connected to the two-way switch in opposition to the resilient means adapted to urge the two-Way switch into its position connecting the condenser to the circuit when the master control switch is closed.

'6. An apparatus for photographing wells and the like comprising a constant exposure strip film camera, a substantially fluid tight housing for the camera adapted to admit light thereto, electrical means having driving connection to the camera for advancing strip film through the camera, means for storing electrical energy, an electrical circuit including the driving means and the electrical storing means connected electrically in parallel, means for alternately connecting and disconnecting the circuit to a source of electrical energy, an electric lamp mounted on the housing to illuminate an area exteriorly thereof, and switch means for disconnecting the storage means from the circuit and connecting said storage means to the lamp automatically in esponse to disconnection of the electrical circuit from the source of electrical energy and for disconnecting the storage means from the lamp and connecting said storage means to the circuit in 11 response to connection of theelectrical circuit to the source of electrical energy.

'7. An apparatus for photographing wells and the like comprising a shutterless strip film camera, a substantially fluid tight housing for the camera, electrical means within the housing for advancing strip film through the camera, a condenser mounted within the housing, an electric lamp mounted on the housing to illuminate an area externally of the housing adjacent to the camera, an electrical circuit connecting the film advancing means to a source of electrical energy exteriorly-of the housing, a master control switch exteriorly of the housing connected in the ciredit in series with the advancing means,-a normally closed control switch connected between the master control switch and the film advancing means in the circuit, means for opening the control-switch in response to predetermined travel of the film advancing means, and-switch means responsive to openingand closing of the master switch connecting the condenser-electrically in parallel with the control switch and film advancing means in the circuit in response to closing of the master control switch and disconnecting the condenser from the circuit and connecting it to the lampin response to opening of the maste'r control switch.

8. An apparatus for photographing wells and the like comprising -a shutterless camera adapted to have strip film passed therethrough, a substantially fluid tight housing encasing the camera and having-a window therein to admit light to the camera, an electric motor within the housing having driving connection tothe camera for advancing strip film through the camera, an electric lamp mounted on the housing and arranged to illuminate an area exteriorly of the housing adjacent to the window, a condenser mounted within the housing, an electrical circuit connecting the motor to a source of electrical energy-exteriorly-ofthe housing, a master control switch connected electrically in series with the motor in the circuit, a two-way switch adaptedalternatel-y toconnect the condenser to the circuit in parallel relation to themotor and the condenser to the lamp, resilient means urging the switch into its position connecting the condenser to the lamp, and an relectroemagnet electrically in series with the master control switch'in the circuit connected to the two-way switch in opposition to the resilient means adapted to urge the two-way switch into its positionconnecting the condenser to the circuit when the master control switch is closed.

9. In a photographic apparatus the combination of a lens having a focal point, electrically motivated means for advancing 'film past the focal point of the lens, an electrical system having connection to a source of electrical energy and to the film advancing means, a master switch in series with the film advancing means, a normally closed control switch in series with the motor, a timing means having driven connection to the film advancing means and controlling engagement with the control switch adapted "to open the .control switch after a predetermined increment of travel of the film advancing means, a condenser, an electric lamp, a two-way switch connected to the condenser for alternate electrical connection of the condenser to the electrical circuit in parallel to the advancing means and to the lamp, and an electro-magnet connected to the circuit in parallel with the advancing means and arranged in controlling relation to the two-way switch for connecting the condenser to the circuit when the circuit is energized and to the lamp when the circuitisde-energized.

CLAUDE LAVAL, JR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 818,489 'Irapp Apr. 24, 1906 1,331,627 Dilts Feb. 24, 1920 2,093,128 Hewitt et a1. Sept. 14, 1927 2,125,388 Monroe Aug. 2, 1938 2,341,745 "Silvermann et al. -Feb. 15, 1944 2,424,276 Johnson et al. ''-v- July 22, 1947 2,464,389 'Grau, .aiig gg nnfi Mar. 15,1949 

